Cllr Johnson was born in Sheringham. He attended Sheringham Primary School and Paston Grammar School.

He began his career in local government with Sheringham Urban District Council on 23 October 1972 and continued with North Norfolk District Council and NORSE until his retirement on 24 June 2011 after 39 years service to the public.

He has been a member of Cromer Town Council for 29 years.

During his time as Mayor of Cromer he sailed around the coast of Britain aboard HMS Cromer, as a guest of the Royal Navy. He also sailed on HMS Cromers last journey from Great Yarmouth to Portsmouth when she was decommissioned.

He also made visits to Cromers twin towns, Nidda and Crest and was privileged to travel with both their town mayors to the European Parliament to receive an award which was broadcast live on French television.

Keith Johnson was a football referee for many years and highlights included officiating at the Womens FA Cup Final and refereeing at Carrow Road. In 1998 he was appointed secretary to the Anglian Combination Football League which provides senior football throughout Norfolk and North Suffolk.